Margarita por favor

I will be the first to admit that I am not much of a drinker – there are times when as little as half a glass of wine can have me suddenly becoming the life of the party OR looking for somewhere to have a bit of a lie down and nap.

Having said that though, I am very partial to a Margarita, a drink that I was introduced to by an American friend a few years ago. Since then, I have been known to sit at the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, perched on a high stool, sipping on one of their giant sized Margaritas and watching the world go by. Mind you, when you aren’t much of a drinker, being perched on a high stool that doesn’t have a back rest can be a bit on the dangerous side when drinking one of these delicious drinks – I am talking from experience, but I won’t go into detail.

These days, when it comes to ordering a cocktail I always order a Margarita, the original lemon/lime flavour. I have been hesitant to try the other flavours – I mean, why mess with the original when it is so good?

I have just been introduced to a new book The Margarita Guide – cocktails for every occasion – by Steve Quirk.

Well, Mr Quirk, you have found a place in my heart – all the variations of Margaritas and cocktails in this book have opened up a whole new world for me.The Margarita Guide features a wide range of cocktails with 50 delicious drinks, which will add a twist to any home or party. Inspirational photographs and simple-to follow recipes introduce a wide range of margaritas from basic mixers to exotic creations.

The useful tips prepare readers for hosting their own Margarita parties where they can take their guests on a cocktail journey to remember.

Each recipe has clear and uncomplicated directions – even those with no previous cocktail making experience will be easily creating delicious Margaritas. In addition to traditional tequila-based recipes, there are also unique vodka and rum based variations as well.

I wouldn’t be a ‘real’ journalist if I didn’t trial each and every one of these recipes before writing my book review, but it is going to take me a while to work my way through the book, I am however, quite well on my way!

So far, my favourites are the Mandarin Margarita, Catalina Margarita (I think I might have to try it while visiting Catalina Island though), Banana Margarita (pure taste sensation) and Blackjack Margarita. These are my favourites to date, in fact, these are the only ones I have tried to date and I can’t decide which one I like best – they are all delicious. Maybe, as I work my way through the book I will find one that I like better than the others, but so far, I can’t possibly make a decision.

The next one I am going to try is the Coco Margarita which is a mix of tequila, coconut liqueur, pineapple juice, sweet and sour mix, lime juice and a slice of pineapple, but the Margarita Guide is the complete guide to great-tasting margaritas where readers will never be short of a Margarita recipe again – try to choose a favourite. Like me, I think you will struggle to choose just one out of this book.

The Margarita Guide – cocktails for every occasion by Steve Quirk – RRP $24.99 – at all good bookstores or online at – www.newhollandpublishers.com